A mental health trust in Norfolk and Suffolk, the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), has recently implemented a new electronic system to address the issue of losing track of patient deaths. This move comes after a critical report from last year highlighted concerns over the trust’s inability to provide assurance regarding its mortality figures.
The new system, which became operational on 1 November, aims to collect and analyse information related to patient deaths in a more robust and consistent manner. According to data gathered under the new system, 15 patients were reported to have died from causes classified as “unnatural and unexpected” between November and January. This revelation has sparked concern among campaigners, with Mark Harrison from the Campaign to Save Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Suffolk calling the number of deaths “shocking” and pointing to potential issues with discharge practices.
An independent review conducted by auditors Grant Thornton last year exposed discrepancies in the trust’s mortality data, attributing these inconsistencies to a lack of confidence among clinical staff and uncertainties surrounding the numbers and causes of deaths. The review revealed that over 8,000 mental health patients had unexpectedly died in the two counties between 2019 and 2022, raising questions about the trust’s handling of mortality data.
Campaigners have also alleged that there have been over 1,000 avoidable deaths at the trust in recent years, further intensifying scrutiny on its practices. A BBC investigation uncovered disparities between the initial and final versions of the Grant Thornton report, suggesting the removal of criticisms aimed at senior management within NSFT.
In response to these concerns, Caroline Donovan, the chief executive of NSFT, expressed satisfaction with the dedication of the trust’s staff in improving mortality data collection and reporting. She highlighted the collaboration with service users, carers, and bereaved families to enhance the transparency and accuracy of reporting practices.
The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, based at Hellesdon Hospital near Norwich, continues to work towards ensuring the reliability and integrity of its mortality data. As investigations and reviews unfold, the trust remains under scrutiny as it strives to address the challenges surrounding patient deaths and bolster public confidence in its services.
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